Here and there

Stuck in paradise. Been here in Kingston for two months now as we try to finalize certain aspects of our move back to the UK. Its given me time to compare and contrast the two countries.

Well – now its just too hot. Not overwhelmingly awfully awfully hot – but sticky, keep the fan on, consider plunging into the pool and take cold showers hot. The ecnomy still sucks – but seems no worse than when I left it in November. Not that there are any job opportunities for me here. Its nice to have all doors and louvres open, Well – its necessary. But the burglar bars do offer some protection. There are fresh mangoes and flavourful bananas. Soursop juice. Freshly bbqued jerk chicken and jerk pork. Too much KFC – not good for me – but its easy and tastes a lot better than in England. A beach which we’ve been to once. Nights out on the town – Latin nights and other wise – with a good and affordable Cub an baby sitter to watch our baby. A great doctor – pediatrician – for her as well. Children around. The comfort of being at home – where we know how things go. A car to get around in. Carnival. Cuba on our doorstep.

Those are some of the good things for us here in Kingston.

In England – well we wouldn’t have any problem on the heat front. A wider and more affordable range of things to eat – though the tropical fruits are not as tasty, and we can’t find soursop juice. No fretting over crime. No car – but the ability to walk without being accosted – except that one time (not in band camp). The promise of eventually finding employment. A safety net. The ability to travel one day to some new places across the channel. Experiencing seasons. Hopefully a better education system (though I’m not sure) but hopefully more affordable anyway. Ummm. More pay should I ever get a job. More peaceful maybe. Playgrounds. Maybe a better economic future.

While the UK economy is not doing well, the Jamaican economy continues to do awfully. While Jamaica has not had riots like those in London and across the UK last summer, the potential exists. The fundamentals of Jamaica’s economy remain weak – only tourism really, and remittances (which are even larger). The UK economy while suffering has strong fundamentals and should improve some day in my lifetime. Right? The best any sane person in Jamaica can hope for is more of the same – no growth, slow decline – maybe forgiveness of debt one day before it sinks under the Caribbean.

But still, its home – with all the problems. Its lush and mountainous beauty is seductive. The UK with is pretty rolling hills is relaxing on the eye. The multi-culturalism of London makes it one of the most amazing world cities, overflowing with culture and art. Kingston is an ugly city in a beautiful setting. Not quite a cultural waste land – but really not in the same category as London or even Havana. But still… its not charmless.